Dyslexia- LD Testing in Jupiter, Palm Beach

My associates and I offer school neuropsychological evaluations for all types of learning disabilities including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, processing problems, as well as evaluations for social-emotional concerns (self-esteem, anxiety, depression, attention, etc.).

Dyslexia is a language based learning disability that is neurological in origin and often related to genetics. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 15-20% of school age children have dyslexia. This means dyslexia is in the Palm Beaches and in a class of 25 children as many as 5 children could have mild, moderate, or severe dyslexia. Dyslexia/ learning disability (LD) is the largest category of disability served in the Palm Beach schools. Children with dyslexia have difficulty with reading and spelling. Unfortunately, most Palm Beach Schools teachers and reading specialist have not been trained to identify and teach kids with dyslexia. They may not know the most effective methods that children with dyslexia need in order to be successful readers and spellers. If you think your child is dyslexic, get him or her evaluated as soon as possible so you can begin the most effective remediation program. In addition to being a school psychologist, I’m a certified dyslexia testing specialist. According to dyslexia expert Susan Barton, programs that don’t work well for children with dyslexia include: Hooked on Phonics, the Phonics Game, Reading Recovery, Accelerated Reader, Reading Recovery, and most commercial learning chains.

Scientific, independent, replicated reading research supports the reading programs based on Orton-Gillingham sequence and methodology. Dr. Sam Orton and Anna Gillingham developed a unique method and sequence to significantly improve the reading and spelling skills of children and adults with dyslexia during the 1930’s. Orton-Gillingham programs are “best practices” when teaching reading to students with dyslexia. An Orton Gillingham based reading system is simultaneously multisensory, systematic, and cumulative with direct and explicit instruction in phonics. This type of program shows how reading and spelling are related and provide intense practice for a child with dyslexia.

The Dyslexia Teaching Gold Standard

One-on-one tutoring using Orton-Gillingham methodology is the gold standard for dyslexic reading instruction. The benefits of this type of tutoring are supported by research. Consider the evaluation and tutoring the best investment you can make for the future success of your child. Their self-esteem will rise along with their academics. For a list of tutors using Orton-Gillingham methods, call me.

My Personal Experience with Dyslexia

My child has used this type of teaching and has overcome dyslexia so I know first hand how well this method works. Yet, some folks try this method and don’t get the results they hoped would occur in their child. When this happens I often ask four things. First, was it the right match between the tutor and child. Second, was the tutor ‘certified’ by the training program that they were using? Third, did they stick with it for up to 36 months? Fourth, did you tutor at least twice a week for about an hour per session? Usually if there was a problem it was in one of those areas.

Testing Process

I am a certified dyslexia testing specialist located in Jupiter, Florida (West Palm Beach area for anyone reading this out of town) and I can test your child for dyslexia or any other suspected learning or emotional problem. Testing is a four hour process that is usually completed in two, two hour sessions. There is also a pre-meeting with the parents to discuss your initial concerns and review background information. After testing we have a post meeting because I produce a written report with specific recommendations that I explain in understandable terms. You’ll leave with a brief action plan to help your child. The entire process is not covered by insurance.

Use my contact form or call me so I can help you determine if your child has dyslexia or another learning disability and how to help him or her overcome it. I can also help you find a dyslexia tutor or dyslexia school in the West Palm Beach area.